Good Rats - surf spot statistics

Good Rats offers consistent surf conditions year-round, but the best months for quality waves are typically December through February. During this period, ground swell dominates (79%–83%), providing powerful, well-organized waves with an average swell size of 2.2–2.4 meters. Wind conditions, however, are less favorable, with bad winds (onshore or cross-shore) occurring 74%–78% of the time. The upside is that the strong winter swells produce longer, cleaner rides when the wind does cooperate. March and November are solid transitional months, with decent ground swell (67%–69%) and slightly improved wind chances (28% in March, 23% in November). The rest of the year sees progressively weaker swells, with wind swells taking over from May to September—resulting in smaller, choppier waves. The worst conditions are in summer (June–August), when ground swells drop below 40%, swell size averages just 1.1–1.2 meters, and bad winds peak around 77%–80%. If you prioritize wave power and consistency, winter is the optimal window despite the wind challenges. For smaller but potentially cleaner conditions, late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) offer a balance of moderate swells and slightly better wind odds.

March at Good Rats offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.9m and a solid period of 11.9s, indicating well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell direction is from the southwest to west-southwest, which produces the majority of rideable waves, particularly in the 1–2.5m range. Larger swells (over 2.5m) are less frequent but present, adding variety for advanced surfers. Wind conditions are a mixed bag—only 28% of the time are they ideal (likely light offshore or cross-offshore), with the most common unfavorable winds coming from the northeast to east-northeast, bringing onshore or side-shore chop. Stronger winds (20–50kph) occasionally impact the spot, but lighter winds (0–20kph) are more common, especially from the west and southwest. Overall, March provides a mix of quality sessions, especially when winds align, though patience may be needed to score the best days.